The Ms. Lin Guide

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Merkato - Vegas Off The Strip

When people think of Vegas they think of all the glitz and glamour. Sometimes I just want good food without breaking the bank. One of my guilty pleasures is Merkato, an Ethiopian restaurant. Each dish is under $10 and they have generous portions. You can easily walk out of there with a bill less than $50 for 4 people and be full!

It was here that I discovered one of the most delectable Ethiopian spices that packed a punch. They sell the spice next door at the market. Unfortunately the quantities are pretty big so I have yet to pick up some for home. Rest assured that I always ask for an extra dish of the spices to kick everything up a notch.

The dish that I always have is the Kitfo, which is completely raw meat. It is usually mixed with a lot of spices. For those who are not quite ready for a raw dish, they do offer to sear it or cook it to your liking. As for me, raw please! I am usually the only one who consumes this dish, but it is one of my favorites.

Can't wait to be back in Vegas this weekend and get my fill again of Ethiopian food at Merkato. Eating with your hands hasn't been more fun.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Book Your Reservations Now! SF Chefs 2010 Restaurant Week

Do you have any plans for the week? Well cancel them and change your calendar to come up to San Francisco to enjoy the tastiest and award-winning restaurants at a special rate. SF Chefs 2010 Restaurant Week presented by Visa Signature and the National Pork Board offers pre-fixes at $35 and $50.

"Taste San Francisco! Experience new restaurants or return to your favorites. Enjoy a wide range of local restaurants offering "SF Chefs Showcase" dinner menus during the week of the event on Union Square. The three course menus will showcase each chef's unique style and creativity. What's more popular than pork? Each menu will feature one or more courses featuring pork. Of course vegetarian options will be available"

There are so many fabulous restaurants participating in this week long event. Sample the culinary excellency each chef has to offer featuring the succulent and popular pork. Hurry and book online before they run out of reservation space.

Below are the participating restaurants:

1300 on Fillmore
Americano
Ana Mandara
Annabelle's
barbacco eno trattoria
Bardessono
Beach Chalet Brewery + Restaurant
Blue Mermaid
Café Andree
Café Pescatore
Campton Place
Chez Papa Resto
Chop Bar
Contigo
Credo
Dosa
Dosa on Fillmore
E' Tutto Qua
E&O Trading Co.
Fifth Floor
FIVE
Foreign Cinema
Grand Cafe
Isa
Jardinière
Kuleto's
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar + Grill
Lark Creek Steak
Le Colonial
Luna Park
Medjool
Meritage at The Claremont
Midi
Miss Pearl's Jam House
Nettie's Crab Shack
New Delhi
Nombe
One Market
Oola
Pacific Catch on 9th Ave
Palio d'Asti
Perbacco
Pizza Antica
Puccini & Pinetti
Ristobar
Rose Pistola
Rose's Café
Sauce
Scala's Bistro
Scoma's
Silks at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Sociale
Spruce
Sutro's at The Cliff House
Terzo
The Cosmopolitan
The Moss Room
The Village Pub
Thirsty Bear Brewing Co
Tia Margarita
Tommy Toy's
Tres Agaves
Urban Tavern
XYZ at the W Hotel

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Hurry and Book Now!

It is that time again! The Sf Chefs 2010 celebration of the finest cuisines that San Francisco has to offer. There will be events through out the week of August 9th - 15th. For a recap of my wonderful experience last year, click here. I was able to meet Chef Thomas Keller and attend the View From The Top seminar, which will be held again this year. There are many free demonstrations at various locations. Mark your calendars and make plans to attend all the spectacular events that the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and Visa Signature has to offer. Hope to see you there!